Sharm El Sheikh / Washington:
Two years after the events of October 7, 2023, delegations from Israel and Hamas began high-stakes indirect negotiations in Egypt on Monday, which the US hopes will bring an end to the war in Gaza. However, a surprising development emerged from the White House, which appeared not to outright reject the prospect of recognizing a Palestinian state in the future.
The talks are underway at the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh, addressing contentious issues that include demands for an Israeli military withdrawal from the enclave and the disarming of Hamas.
US President Donald Trump expressed a desire for a swift resolution on social media, stating: “I am told that the first phase should be completed this week, and I am asking everyone to MOVE FAST.”
However, an official briefed on the negotiations, speaking anonymously, was skeptical of a quick deal, anticipating the current round of talks would require at least a few days, as both sides seek clarifications on crucial, complex details. A Palestinian source noted that Trump’s 72-hour deadline to return all hostages could be “impossible” to meet, particularly for locating and recovering the bodies of dead hostages scattered across the battlefield.
Hamas Clarification Demands and US Stance
A Palestinian official close to the talks voiced deep mutual mistrust, citing worry among Palestinian factions that Israel might abandon negotiations once it recovers the hostages.
Hamas has demanded clarity on the mechanism for a swap of remaining prisoners—both alive and dead—for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, as well as an Israeli military withdrawal and a comprehensive ceasefire.
A major thorny issue is the Israeli demand, echoed in Trump’s plan, that Hamas disarm. The group has consistently insisted it will not disarm unless the Israeli occupation ends and a Palestinian state is created.
In a surprising turn, the White House avoided ruling out the recognition of a Palestinian state when pressed during a press briefing. Asked if a Trump administration would recognize a Palestinian state should Hamas relinquish power to a transitional government, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded:
“Look, I don’t want to get ahead of the technical talks right now… they’re extremely sensitive,” she said. “There’s many things to discuss. Of course, this is hopefully – we expect, and we hope – going to be one of the greatest peace deals this world has ever seen. And the Trump administration is working diligently and working very hard to get there.”
